Spotlight shines on students at 2017 President's Gala

As one of two student emcees for the 2017 President’s Gala – presented by Eagle Builders – Auslin McDaniel-Perrin is excited to share her student experience with guests on March 24

“The people and the classroom experience – both are awesome at Lakeland,” says McDaniel-Perrin, a second-year agribusiness student. “Sitting in a classroom or getting to work in a lab or on a project, you’ll find out that Lakeland is absolutely amazing. The instructors are so great to get along with and I have made so many friends.”

McDaniel-Perrin was one of many students who auditioned in February to emcee the President’s Gala. Each candidate prepared and presented speaking points about the event and the college, as well as completed a question and answer period with President Alice Wainwright-Stewart and Georgina Altman, vice president of advancement and external relations.

Together, McDaniel-Perrin and Alyssa Wells were chosen to co-emcee the fifth annual event at the Lloydminster campus.

“The President’s Gala is a great event because all of the money goes back to the students. And that is why I wanted to be part of it – it’s for us,” says Wells, a university transfer student. “It’s so great to know that members of the community support Lakeland students and firmly stand behind the college.”

The opportunity to connect with the community and thank Lakeland’s supporters was an experience Wells wanted to be part of.

“They really put you in the lead at Lakeland,” says Wells, who is on track to transfer to the University of Calgary in the fall to complete a bachelor of arts degree, with a major in political science. “Lakeland cares about its students, empowers them and gives them opportunities to achieve their goals. I don’t see Lakeland as a stepping stone or a first step – I see it as a bridge and an integral part of my education.”

For McDaniel-Perrin, co-emceeing the President’s Gala is one of many opportunities she’s had to grow as a student leader at Lakeland. From being the general manager of Santa’s One-Stop Shop – Powered by Student-Managed Enterprise to a residence assistant at the Vermilion campus and competing as a Rustler, McDaniel-Perrin’s Lakeland experience is a dynamic one.

“When I was recruited to play with the Rustlers, I arrived in a town I had never heard of, in a country I had never visited before and surrounded myself with people I didn’t know,” says McDaniel-Perrin, who hails from Oregon. “At Lakeland, they want you to be yourself and encourage you to be different. It’s been an amazing experience.”

Not only are Lakeland students emceeing the President’s Gala, they also welcome guests, help serve the meal and assist with the overall program. Students from several different programs, including esthetician, welding, environmental sciences and street rod technologies, are also providing silent and live auction items.